The goalkeeper position at FC Barcelona is undergoing changes as the club moves on from several players not fitting into head coach Hansi Flick's plans. Joan Garcia is established as the starting goalkeeper, with Wojciech Szczesny as his deputy.
Recently, the club confirmed the departures of Inaki Pena, who joined Greek side Panathinaikos for €3 million, Ander Astralaga, whose contract expired, and Diego Kochen, who went on a season-long loan to Danish club Lyngby. Meanwhile, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is close to being loaned to Ajax.
With these exits, the role of third-choice goalkeeper becomes vacant again. This position was shared previously by Kochen and Astralaga. According to Mundo Deportivo, two academy goalkeepers are currently the main contenders: 18-year-old Iker Rodriguez, whose youth contract runs until 2027 and who is regarded as the most promising goalkeeper at La Masia; and 19-year-old Eder Aller, who has already worked with Hansi Flick and was called up for 16 first-team matches last season. Aller’s contract runs until 2028 with an option to extend.
Hansi Flick will decide which of the two will be granted the third-choice goalkeeper role. Kochen and Astralaga have already left the club to pursue new challenges in their careers.
